How to Transfer a Child Between Dubai Schools in 2026
To transfer a child between Dubai private schools, secure a written place at the receiving school, coordinate withdrawal with the current school and obtain the transfer certificate and academic records required for the new enrolment.
Confirm the new place before withdrawing
Ask the new school for a written offer showing the curriculum, year or grade, proposed start date, tuition and mandatory charges. Check the school in KHDA’s official education directory ↗. A verbal statement that a seat is “likely” is not the same as a formal offer.
When changing curricula, do not assume matching grade numbers mean matching academic stages. Give the receiving school the child’s date of birth, current curriculum, completed grade and recent reports so it can confirm placement.
Which certificate do you need?
KHDA’s parent guidance ↗ distinguishes two situations:
- Moving to another school in Dubai: request a transfer certificate.
- Leaving Dubai: you may need a student leaving certificate to prove the years studied in Dubai.
KHDA says the child’s current school can provide the applicable certificate and ensure it is verified by KHDA. Tell the school where the child is going so it issues the correct document.
Coordinate the two schools
- Obtain and accept the receiving school’s written offer after reviewing its fees and conditions.
- Ask the current school for its notice, withdrawal, account-settlement and certificate process.
- Request the transfer certificate and copies of recent report cards, assessment results and any learning-support plan.
- Check that names match the passport and Emirates ID and that the completed grade is recorded correctly.
- Submit the receiving school’s requested identity, academic, medical and vaccination records.
- Sign the new parent–school contract only after reading the fee, transport, withdrawal and support terms.
Application and registration charges in 2026
KHDA’s private-school registration and refund policy, effective 23 March 2026, says a school may charge up to AED 500 to process a new-student application and standard assessment. The application fee is separate from tuition and is not deducted from tuition.
The application fee is refundable if the child is not offered a place after assessment, or if the school collected it without first explaining that no place was available or that the result might only be a waiting-list position. If the school makes a formal offer and the parent chooses not to accept it, KHDA says the application fee is non-refundable.
Check the registration deposit before paying
A school may request a registration deposit only after making a formal enrolment offer that the parent accepts. KHDA’s current policy caps it at 10% of annual tuition. It is an advance payment deducted from tuition for the term of enrolment, not an extra tuition charge.
If a parent accepts the offer and later cancels, the policy says the registration deposit is refundable when the school receives formal notice at least 60 calendar days before the student’s start date. It is non-refundable when notice is given less than 60 days before that date. Keep the written notice and delivery evidence.
Protect learning continuity
Give the new school accurate information about language needs, medical conditions, disability or additional learning support. Transfer assessment history, individual plans and specialist reports securely. If the child uses school transport or paid activities, cancel those contracts separately and check their terms rather than assuming school withdrawal cancels everything.
If the schools give conflicting instructions
Ask each school to put its requirement in writing and identify the KHDA rule or portal step it relies on. Keep the offer, payment receipts, withdrawal notice and certificate request. Escalate through the school first, then use KHDA’s current contact or complaint route if the procedural conflict remains unresolved.
Do not withdraw a child or pay a large deposit based only on a verbal promise. Confirm the place, grade, start date and refund terms in writing.
Related Dubai family guides
Check Dubai school fees and mandatory charges →
Review the parent–school contract →
File a Dubai school complaint →
Plan the first 30 days after moving →
Sources and review note
Reviewed by the Dubai Daily Guide editorial team on 23 October 2026 against KHDA’s parent guidance and School Registration & Refund Policy for Private Schools in Dubai, effective 23 March 2026. School-specific requirements still apply; confirm them in writing before withdrawing or paying.